Laboratory and Research Specialist II

Job Description

The Laboratory and Research Specialist will conduct growth experiments with pure cultures of strictly anaerobic hyperthermophilic and mesophilic methanogenic archaea employing serum tubes and serum bottles and analyze these cultures employing UV-visible spectroscopy light microscopy and protein assays.

The Laboratory and Research Specialist will formulate and prepare appropriate growth media and cultivate strictly anaerobic hyperthermophilic and mesophilic methanogenic archaea in these media (5-100 mL) and follow their growth by cell count as determined by use of a phase contrast microscope fitted with a Petroff-Hauser counter and optical density. The Specialist will perform heterologous protein expression experiments with recombinant hyperthermophilic and mesophilic methanogenic archaea and E. coli estimate the levels of heterologous proteins expressed via SDS-PAGE and western blotting and purify these proteins to apparent homogeneity under aerobic and anaerobic conditions via affinity chromatography. Experiences in using an anaerobic chamber working with strictly anaerobic methanogenic archaea are must estimation of protein and use of a spectrophotometer are essential.

Required Qualifications

B.S. Biochemistry or Microbiology or equivalent relevant experience and training; research experience in the cultivation of strictly anaerobic methanogenic archaea in liquid media with gaseous substrates use of an anaerobic chamber purification of heterologously expressed proteins to apparent homogeneity and analysis of proteins via SDS-PAGE western blotting and protein assay and demonstrated experience with data processing using Microsoft Excel and writing reports.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in performing spectrophotometric assays for enzymatic activity.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$26-$31/hr.

Hours per week

Avg. of 29 hours per week (not to exceed 1500 hours May 1 - April 30)

Review Date

06/16/2026

Additional Information

Department is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

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